She said early detection of psychiatric problems, particularly in those between 17 and 29, is changing the face of mental illness. People are recovering more quickly, and their recoveries are more stable, she said. Other comments were:

"Overall, I think it's great. It goes a long way," said Mark Graham, executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association's local branch, which oversees a variety of mental health services in the city and county.

"We've seen a significant investment over the last two years. Obviously mental health and addictions are on the minister's radar," Graham said.

"The focus is on individuals who have a run-in with police or may go to emerge and not be admitted. These are people with serious mental health issues and perhaps also addiction issues," Graham said.